The sheer dress trend is having quite the renaissance lately, with a whole host of celebrities repping the barely-there look to the Oscars 2023. But while these daring, translucent pieces never fail to look effortlessly chic, how do we style the trend off the red carpet?
Much like with the high-fashion breastplate, there are some celebrity-endorsed pieces that we're desperate to add to our capsule wardrobe rotation—case in point, sheer dresses. The '90s fashion trend is making a BIG comeback this year, with everyone from Rihanna to Ashley Graham repping the statement look. And while we concede that this particular style might seem a tad daunting or impractical upon first glance (no, we won't be wearing mesh dresses until the weather stays above 60°F), the secret is really all in the styling.
So, if you're a fan of Florence Pugh's fashion moments or Emma Chamberlain's outfits and want to replicate their see-through looks but have no idea where to start, here's an inspo guide of all the latest celeb outfits—plus some tips from the experts on rocking the retro trend with confidence no matter the occasion...
What is the sheer dress trend?
As mentioned, the sheer dress trend actually hails back to the '90s, with the likes of Kate Moss and Gwyneth Paltrow trailblazing the look to its now-iconic status, by pairing simple undies under their sheer slip dresses. Exhibit A...
In fact, Nick Drewe, Trend Expert at Wethrift (opens in new tab) notes that it was actually during the '60s when sheer pieces, "really gained momentum within the fashion industry, when the likes of Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent incorporated transparent fabrics like mesh, chiffon, gauze, muslin and more into their iconic collections.
“Barely-there fabric is nothing new in the fashion world, as celebrities and style icons have been sporting the look for decades. In 1993, 19-year-old supermodel Kate Moss wore a sheer dress by Liza Bruce, which turned out to be a monumental moment in establishing herself as the fashion muse of a generation."
Drewe adds, "Sheer fashion has gained momentum over the last decade, for creating an illusion of nakedness and embracing feminism through the art of fashion."
Now the statement, but effortlessly elegant trend is having a huge resurgence. We first saw it creeping back into the fashionverse among the best dressed at the Met Gala 2021, not to mention that Florence Pugh sheer dress moment from the Valentino Valentino Haute Couture in 2022. Now, it's back in full force—with the likes of Emma Chamberlain, Sophie Turner, Sabrina Carpenter and Rihanna opting for see-through fits at the Oscars 2023.
But of course, we know there's a slight difference between wearing a sheer dress or top on the red carpet and out to chill dinner with your friends. So how can we replicate this ethereal look in our day-to-day style?
How to wear a sheer dress
Thanks to the trends comeback, there's no shortage of sheer numbers on the market—but what do we wear under a sheer dress or top?
Drewe says the sheer dress trend is, "chic, sexy and empowering," adding that it allows for individual expression that can be as bold and as daring as you want it to be, the key is that you feel confident. See his top tips below...
- Opt for black or beige undergarments: Drewe recommends that if you’re wearing a black sheer dress, "a black bodysuit or underwear would be the best option. With a beige or light-colored sheer dress, opt for white or skin-colored undergarments."
- Sheer dresses and oversized blazers are a match made in heaven: "If you’re heading out for an evening meal with friends, consider an oversized leather jacket or blazer, to add depth to the outfit. To dress down the look, for a more informal event, pair it with chunky platform boots and a tee," says Drewe
- Less is more with accessories: Drewe advises not to go overboard with the bling, he adds: "The sheer fabric is enough to turn heads, so limit the jewelry layers and instead opt for a single statement piece." We'd recommend wearing some of the best huggie earrings and perhaps a simple gold chain or ring and leaving it at that.
Styling-wise, Drewe says: "Finding the right undergarments is important. You may want to show a little more skin, but leave something to the imagination. With this in mind, you could wear a bodysuit or high wasted underwear in a complementing color to the dress, as this would be a good way to embrace the trend."
He continues, "If you want to bare all, go for a matching underwear set. While the weather remains dull and lifeless, layers are the best way to style a sheer dress."
If you're wanting to sport a more modest look, you can also choose to pair your dress with a simple slip dress (in whatever length you feel more comfortable in, though make sure your mesh dress is longer or the same length as your slip). We'd also recommend wearing a black slip for that cool-girl, off-duty model look—or a bralette if you're opting for a mesh top instead.
For evening or date night looks, Drewe also suggests pairing your sheer number with an oversized blazer. This can be worn either open, for a bolder look or closed to provide a tad more coverage.
We've also spied some fashion lovers and celebs wearing sheer dresses over trousers...but we're not ready to endorse that particular Y2K fashion trend just yet.
Accessories-wise, as Drewe advises less is more, so to elevate your look but not crowd it, we'd suggest minimal, chic jewelry and perhaps a pair of Emma Chamberlain sunglasses to finish off the ensemble.
How to care for your sheer dress?
Since sheer dresses are pretty flimsy, it's also important to treat them with love and care. Drewe says: "Transparent fabrics are often delicate and can be damaged if not stored correctly.
"To protect the material and prevent any ripping, store your sheer dress in a garment bag, but try to avoid any with zips, as you don’t want to cause any damage to the fabric.”
Where to shop sheer dresses
As mentioned, most of the go-to fashion retailers are embracing the sheer dress trend, so finding your own dream tulle/organza ensemble won't require too much sleuthing. Plus, we've also rounded up some of our faves to the process even more painless...
(opens in new tab)- View at Zara in the US (opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)- View at Zara in the US (opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)- View at Revolve in the US (opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)- View at Monki in the US (opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)- View at H&M in the US (opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)- View at &OtherStories in the US (opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)- View at NA-KD in the US (opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)- View at Mango in the US (opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)- View at Zara in the US (opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)- View at Matchesfashion in the US (opens in new tab)
Sheer skirts
If you're looking for a more subtle way to rep this look, a top or a sheer skirt (ala Florence Pugh) might be the way to go!
(opens in new tab)- View at Mango in the US (opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)- View at Zara in the US (opens in new tab)
The best celeb sheer dress moments
Now, if you're in need of some visuals for styling your sheer dresses, please turn your attention to these recent celebrity offerings...
1. Emma Chamberlain's Oscars 2023 sheer dress
Emma ate and left no crumbs on the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party red carpet. This KNWLS dress is just everything.
If we owned this dress—along with any of Emma Chamberlain's sunglasses—we would never take it off.
2. Daisy Edgar-Jones' crystal sheer dress
Daisy Edgar-Jones rocked a naked-like, crystal-embellished Gucci sheer dress to the Oscars 2023 and gives us a lesson in exactly how to style a nude bodysuit with one of these elegant, see-through gowns.
3. Hailee Steinfeld's sheer dress and coat combo
If you wondering how to layer your sheer dress, just cast your eye over Hailee's Oscars outfit. She paired her shimmery mesh dress with a long, oversized coat to keep her warm while she served up look after look.
4. Elaine Welteroth's silver and crystal sheer dress
Teen Vogue's Editor In Chief rocked this crystal embellished dress to the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 31st annual academy awards viewing party on March 12, 2023, pairing it with diamond earrings, silver rings a small peach mini bag—great inspo if you're wondering how to style your own sheer number!
5. Rihanna's sheer dress
Just Rihanna singlehandedly redefining pregnancy style once again! This is one of the many sheer looks to make an appearance at the Oscars and we adore how wearable it is.
If you have a sheer top, pair it with a bandeau crop top or bra and a midi skirt and you've got yourself a killer, Rihanna-approved look.
6. Florence Pugh's pink sheer dress and skirt
Flo is a big fan of the sheer dress and skirt trend—having worn a number of see-through looks to events like Venice Film Festival in 2022 and to Paris Fashion Week 2023.
Here we can see her making a major case for both a mesh skirt and a dress. We're OBSESSED.
7. Ashley Graham's red and black sheer dresses
Ashley Graham served up these red and black sheer numbers (again at the Vanity Fair after-party and the Oscars 2023) and we're loving the contrast between the black and red.
Her look acts as great inspo for anyone wanting to pair their sheer dress with some high-waisted pants and a bralette.
8. Emily Ratajkowski's grey sheer dress
After flooring us with her 2021 sheer Met Gala dress, Emily has served up yet another killer see-through look, pairing it with a simple pair of low-waisted pants underneath.
9. Sophie Turner's black sheer shoulder dress
We're obsessed with the sheer shoulder/cape detailing on Sophie's Vanity Fair Oscar after-party dress!
10. Sabrina Carpet's white sheer top and skirt ensemble
Sabrina (who is one of the names being thrown around in the Shawn Mendes girlfriend mystery) also made a case for the mesh top and long skirt combo and it gets a yes from us!
11. Madison Bailey's sheer Paris Fashion Week dress
Outer Banks star, Madison Bailey, wore this black sheer dress during Paris Fashion Week—we love that this dress is more subtle but still slightly sheer.
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